Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Get it before its gone!!! - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shacojinn - July 28 - 1:40 pm

  Purchased the dark grey on black w/ black top three weeks ago. First convertible ever. Great so far. Dozens of compliments already. The sport trim rocks! Getting 28 and some change on the mpg, mostly hwy. Rides very smooth, a great cruiser, turns lots of heads.

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  still lovin it after 4 years - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By colette - July 28 - 12:03 pm

  the comfort, reliability and reasonable gas mileage (avg. 18 mpg around town) makes this vehicle perfect for a single person or small family. i would not hesitate to by a newer model in say, 8- 10 years!

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  A Great Used Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By chris_s_2010 - July 28 - 7:57 am

  This is a great choice as a used car. They arent too expensive, they still look classy and they are very reliable. With the V6, the gas mileage is still decent. I bought this a a second car so I didnt want to spend too much. I bought it for $8500 with 166k km (103k miles) on it. Like (almost all) Camrys these cars last a long time and they have a strong reputation for reliability. Its been about 6 months since I bought it and I have no regrets. This car is comfortable to drive, pretty quiet and has power when you need it. Not a sports car but sportier than your average sedan!

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  Prius is the best - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By mjsuss - July 28 - 1:10 am

  This car is fun to look at inside and out. The mileage is terrific and it is great knowing how "clean" the car is. I especially love watching the mileage gauge when it indicates that absolutely no gasoline is being used, that all the power is coming from the battery. The smart key is a pleasure, not having to use a key to open the doors or start the ingnition. The radio and CD player are high quality. The transmission lever is a hoot -- passengers cant believe thats the whole thing. The infinitely variable transmission gives a smooth ride.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By 100% Satisfied - July 27 - 11:30 pm

  With the level six package, this car is a lot of fun to drive and exceeds all my performance expectations. I drive 70 miles per day to and from work so gas bills were becoming significant with my previous Avalon. On the highway, I get around 50 miles per gallon when using 93 octane gas. I now fill up once per week with 9-10 gallons of gas. The interior feels the same size as a Camry. Theres plenty of room in the front and back seat. The accessories are great. Level six includes GPS and I use it in my trips out of town. I doubt Ill ever have another car without GPS. In fact, I will probably stay with Hybrids from now on. Pick-up is just as good as the Avalon and Camry.

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  Third Toyota! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hobopoet - July 27 - 10:30 am

  This is my third Toyota Truck. Ive owned a 92 standard, a 01 Tundra, and now this one. I cant imagine a better overall vehicle! I own a courier service, and Im planning on appearing in one of those "I got 500,000 miles and Im still rolling!" ads. The new 2.7 engine is a marvel; it feels more powerful than the 3.4 six in my Tundra. I have no doubt this truck will do everything I ask and more!

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  SATISFIED WITH TOYOTA - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By HAPPY CAR OWNER - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASED MY CAR BRAND NEW OVER 5 YEARS AGO AND HAVE 110,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR IN FOR SCHEDULED SERVICE AND HAVE NEVER BEEN DISSAPOINTED BY MY TOYOTA. I WILL ONLY PURCHASE TOYOTA IN THE FUTURE.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By agf2002 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is A LOT OF FUN to drive! Beautiful design and resembles a Porcshe. Its very economical, and very easily turns in small places and is easy to park. But, it has to be driven slow in rain and snow. More than 2 inches of snow on the ground, and you might want to put a snow plow on it. The car fish-tails in bad weather when the gas is released, especially on turns.

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  first toyota - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By william1735 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the first toyota Ive owned and so far Im very happy with it. The car handles and rides extremely well. The fit and finish is great. On our first trip out of town we got 31.4 miles per gallon.The car has every option and thet all work wery good and easy to use. One thing missing is a light under the hood, this is pretty minor considering the over all car. would definately reccomend this car.

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  What a car! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By R. Hutton - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I never really thought that we would be able to afford a car as luxurious as the Toyota Avalon. Well, it turns out we can, although the car we bought was pre-owned. The amenities in this car are fabulous. It has everthing, at a price that was truely affordable. I hope that we continue to be as happy with it as we are now.